A planned non-uniform day at a County Durham school was abruptly cancelled and police were called in after concerns emerged that two individuals known to officers were planning to attend the event.
School Event Cancelled Amid Safety Concerns
The incident unfolded at Park View School in Chester-le-Street on Friday, 14th November 2025. The school had organised a non-uniform day in support of Children in Need, a popular annual charity event. However, the day was called off after rumours circulated that two boys, who were not students at the school, were planning to come onto the premises.
This decision came after teachers became aware that the two individuals had been asking students about the non-uniform day. In response, the school took the precautionary step of sending a letter to all parents and carers, instructing that all pupils in Year 7 through to Year 11 must attend in full uniform.
Police Provide Reassurance to School Community
Durham Constabulary confirmed their involvement, stating they were made aware of information circulating on social media regarding the two boys. A spokesperson explained that a joint decision was made between the police and the school to cancel the non-uniform day.
Officers attended the school on Friday morning to provide a visible presence and reassurance to both students and staff. The police emphasised that they had been given the relevant details of the two boys in question.
Parental Anxiety and School Response
The unusual situation led to significant anxiety among parents. Many reportedly chose to keep their children at home as a precaution. The father of a 13-year-old student, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters that he believed around half of the school's pupils had not attended.
He expressed his own worries, stating, "I'm worried about my son's safety. I think every parent would be." He also noted that many parents felt the initial communication from the school was too brief, leaving them with unanswered questions about the nature of the potential threat and the school's operational status.
In its letter to parents, the school administration acknowledged the situation, writing, "Whilst this may be entirely innocent, we felt it was unusual and potentially cause for some caution." They were keen to stress that there was no evidence of any specific threat or intent to cause harm, but that they were taking sensible steps to maintain the safety of all students and staff and to reassure the wider school community.
